Christopher Zilm

I am an authorised marriage celebrant aiming to create meaningful, personalised ceremonies that truly reflect each couple’s story. That's the official line – so what about me really? I'm just retired after 40 years teaching all over Queensland, also SA and London – and 23 of them as a high school principal in Toowoomba and Cairns. Now I'm living in Brissie near my first grand-daughter (who would be an amazing flower girl) and wanted to continue to meet people, help them achieve their dreams and have a good time doing so. Everyone I know says the same thing when I tell them I am becoming a marriage celebrant: "You will be good at that!" I do love a chat and having fun – and I am willing to give anything a go, so when it comes to dressing up, performing or taking on a role as a medieval character or a tropical wonder clad in flamingos, I can meet your wedding theme (if you have one) with enthusiasm. I also have a bunch of suits from formal black tux, sage garden number, a cool navy subtle checked suit and of course the linen look, which looks cool! My 360 feedback has always been that I am highly enthusiastic, creative and engaging – and I really do enjoy being with people. I live with my wife and a couple of puppies – and we have a dedicated reception office in our house in Albany Creek where I can sit with you and look at the options – in peace without the pups. Or I can meet at a nice quiet venue somewhere more conveniently closer. I am flexible. I use a web-based application to get all the details I need making the legal side a breeze – and we meet to look at the ceremony and you have so many options. We will also need to schedule a rehearsal (normally the day before the wedding) and do the last of the paperwork then – with the very ceremonial signing of marriage certificates on the day always making for a good photo. Speaking of photographers, I am easy working with them before and during the ceremony to make sure they capture all those special moments without it being a hassle or affecting the ceremony. And as a former teacher, I have no problem asking people to turn off their phones for example and be present for the wedding, go outside and stay together for a group photo or where to meet and when for the reception – whatever you need to happen. I can also MC your reception if you want – and look out dancefloor! I am very open-minded and value diversity. The ‘individual’ has always mattered to me so throughout my life, I have placed value on being the best I can be – and helping young people and the adults I worked with achieve their life goals, make their experience the most precious, and ensure that they are seen and heard. I bring this to my approach to weddings and use my practiced listening skills to ready dig down to what you want your wedding to look like, how you want to show your love on the day, involve others, and make it a happy, fun event on a beach or a paddock surrounded by cows which everyone will remember forever or that fairytale wedding in a grove of macadamia trees or a chapel by the sea. My life work as a teacher was mainly as a German language teacher. My great, great grandfather was one of the 18 families who left Germany and in 1836 walked their few possessions up through the Adelaide Hills to settle Hahndorf – a great spot for a beer and schnitzel. I grew up in Lobethal not far from there in the 70s/80s and went to Uni in Adelaide to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in German language and literature. I speak and write fluent German and have a great appreciation for languages with over 450 days on duolingo learning Italian. Needless to say, I also love to travel so a destination wedding is something I am also very open to! (Wouldn't that be fun?) I spent 9 years as president of the German Club in Cairns running events and great Oktoberfests so you can be sure I know how to have a good time – and I have Lederhosen! Becoming a celebrant is a way for me to use my skills to help others at one of the most important times of their life. I only take a few weddings a month so I can really take the time to carefully design a great experience. I'm doing this for my enjoyment too – not as a high-pressure job with targets and KPIs – so I think that gives my couples an experience which is actually, genuinely low-stress and high-enjoyment. I have the time to take the time and make sure everything goes smashingly. I bring warmth, professionalism, and a calm, confident presence to every occasion. Whether it’s a wedding, renewal of vows, or special life celebration, I really enjoy working closely with clients to craft ceremonies that are heartfelt, engaging, and memorable. Give me a call or send me an email! Let's chat!